Ryse Williams Pac Shores: Breakout Seniors
The 66th annual Ryse Williams Pacific Shores tournament is consistently one of the best first-week events in all of the western United States.
Redondo Union played host to many of Southern California’s best high school basketball teams, which, in turn, brought out many of the area’s top prospects.
Players the likes of UCLA-bound wing Jules Bernard, high-powered scoring guard Devonaire Doutrive and talented sophomore shooting guard Joshua Christopher were on hand throughout the four day, 16-team tournament, but these nine lesser-known seniors used their time on the court to raise their stock.
Breakout Seniors
Quinn Collins, Redondo Union
Collins is a skilled four/five man with a soft set of hands and good touch around the basket. The 6-foot-8 forward won’t wow you with poster dunks on the break or in transition, but his big man fundamentals are something lost on many young players. Collins sprints the middle of the floor on the break and gives the wing entry passer a wide target after establishing deep post position. Collins showed the ability to knock down a perimeter set shot, as well.
Devin Garcia, Dominguez
After Brenton Woods and Wayne Arnold, Garcia is the third Dominguez senior to start on varsity all four seasons of his high school career. Garcia is a capable and consistent catch and shoot guy from 3-point range, but has added some off the bounce game to his arsenal. The 6-foot-3 swingman showed the ability to guard multiple perimeter positions on the week.
Jordan Griffin, Narbonne
Griffin is an athletic, slashing wing player at 6-feet-3. He’s super shifty and crafty in space and can finish over and around rim protectors in the paint. One of the bigger improvements he’s made is to his playmaking ability for others. Griffin attacked off the wing with scoring on his mind, but rarely forced any shots, instead opting for kick-outs to open shooters.
Jarrel King, Gahr
King is lightning quick with the ball in his hands in transition. The 5-foot-9 point guard always has a full head of steam which results in paint touches and an enormous amount of pressure on the defense. King had one of the best floaters in the gym and his ability to stop on a dime helped him get that shot off against any paint presence.
Damani Lewis, Serra
Lewis is an undersized interior player, but his combination of size, skill and fundamental footwork is difficult to replicate. Lewis did a nice job of using his big frame to clear out space in the paint to open driving lanes for teammates or a scoring opportunity for himself. Lewis stepped out to the perimeter and knocked down some open shots, too.
Corey Silverman-Lloyd, Windward
Silverman-Lloyd’s teammate Jules Bernard garners much of the attention for Windward, but the Wildcats couldn’t have won the consolation championship. The 6-foot-2 guard isn’t a burner on the break or an explosive athlete, but he is a consistent mid-range and 3-point shooting threat. Silverman-Lloyd is a much better passer and playmaker than he gets credit for as his high IQ and vision allows him to make the simple, but effective pass.
Malik Muhammad, Narbonne
Muhammad has always been a monster rebounder and shot blocker with a high motor, but his offensive skill set has come a long way since the end of last season. The 6-foot-8 power forward can finish with power or finesse, dunks or baseline catch-and-shoots, and is a high percentage free throw shooter.
Ireke Udeagha, Rancho Dominguez
The Lobos couldn’t come up with a win, but Udeagha did everything he could to get them one. The 6-foot-1 guard is a physical and athletic specimen who is nearly impossible to stop with some wind in his sail. Udeagha surpassed the 20-point plateau in each of his games last week and uses his football frame to power through contact.
Brenton Woods, Dominguez
Woods is a four-year starter for the Dons and is really beginning to turn the corner as a prospect. The 6-foot-1 point guard has always had the feel and IQ needed to be a player at the next level, but his scoring and burst have been the biggest question marks on him. Woods put the scoring question to rest Saturday, erupting for 25 second half points (27 overall) in a thrilling loss to Mayfair.